Medicaid Expansion Gains in Red States

Just this week, Montana became the latest state to expand Medicaid under Obamacare. The measure contains an amendment requiring beneficiaries to pay premiums and also includes a workplace development provision, which was proposed by Republican lawmakers. So far, 28 states have expanded their Medicaid programs, while 22 states — mainly with Republican-controlled state legislatures — have opted out, citing cost as their primary reason for not expanding. Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government picks up 100 percent of the cost of expansion for three years, then 90 percent thereafter. Other GOP-controlled states, including Florida and Alaska, are also considering changing adding the program, though both are still locked into fierce debates on the issue. Read more.

David Wingate is an elder law attorney, who practices in Frederick and Montgomery Counties, Maryland. The elder law practice consists of wills, trusts, powers of attorneys, asset protection and Medicaid.